Shareholder Activism

We work with some of the largest listed companies throughout the world in preparing for and responding to all aspects of shareholder activism. We've assisted clients in dealing with many of the most well-known activists – like Carl Icahn and Starboard Value.

Representative experience

National CineMedia, Inc. in a contest with an activist shareholder that demanded three board seats and threatened a proxy contest, resulting in a resolution with the activist that satisfied all parties.

ServiceSource International, Inc. on its discussions with activist Viex Capital, which was seeking a number of governance changes for the company, resulting in a settlement and standstill agreement with the activist.

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. in its successful defense against an activist campaign.

Office Depot on negotiations with activist Starboard Value Fund, resulting in a settlement with Starboard.

VIVUS on its proxy contest and hostile interactions with First Manhattan Co., which resulted in a settlement with First Manhattan.

Orthofix in connection with its proxy contest and hostile interactions with Ramius Group.

Novoste on its proxy contest and hostile interactions with Steel Partners.

A publicly listed REIT in negotiations with activist investor Land & Buildings, Inc. and its founder and CEO Jonathan Litt in connection with proposed changes in board composition and other governance matters.

A personal computer and technology company on its proxy contest with two high-profile activist shareholders, who were campaigning against the company’s merger transaction.

An international hotel company on its proxy contest and hostile interactions with a large shareholder, which had existing board representation.

A multibillion dollar technology company in connection with a public campaign (and aborted proxy contest) initiated by Carl Ichan to increase the company’s share repurchases.

A public pharmaceutical company in negotiations with an activist shareholder seeking a change in board composition.

A public restaurant company in negotiations with an activist stockholder encouraging the company to add more leverage to its capital structure.

A technology-driven language and reading company in its negotiation with an activist stockholder seeking representation on the board.

A public healthcare company in connection with a recent accumulation of its common stock by certain potentially activist stockholders.

A listed Dutch industrials group on dealing with an activist hedge fund investor.

Related practices

Awards and recognitions

“Our victory on all contested board seats was in no small part due to Hogan Lovells’ leadership and advice. Their deep, technical expertise regarding SEC proxy rules and practical experience dealing with activists helped us develop and implement a winning strategy.”

General counsel of a Nasdaq-listed company

2018

"Hogan Lovells International LLP ‘provides an excellent service through its high-quality lawyers’, and is best known for corporate shareholder disputes…"